Why I Take the Retroid Pocket Nova Everywhere...
The Retroid Pocket Nova has become a permanent fixture in my everyday carry.
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Handheld Gaming
32 posts
Handheld gaming console reviews and guides from a casual gamer's point of view. Whether you're after a pocket-sized retro handheld, a capable Android device or a full PC handheld, these posts focus on how each one feels to use and how it fits into everyday life.
TRIMUI Brick Pro | A Casual Gamer's Review
The TRIMUI Brick Pro is as well built as any handheld in its price range could be but its performance profile poses some important questions you should ask before jumping in.
ArduView | The World's First Transparent Handheld!
The ArduView ships with 400 mini games on a transparent OLED display, but what's it actually like to game on?
MANGMI Air Y | A Casual Gamer's Review
The MANGMI Air Y follows in the footsteps of the Air X to provide a solid experience at less than $100. But what kind of performance does that actually get you?
Retroid Pocket Nova | A Casual Gamer’s Review
The Retroid Pocket Nova has endgame potential... as long as you love 6th gen 4:3 systems.
The Odin 2 Portal Just Replaced My Steam Deck
Using ArmadaOS, the Odin 2 Portal can now dual boot Android and SteamOS
The KONKR Pocket Advance Went Beyond My Expectations!
The KONKR Pocket Advance is a surprisingly brilliant remaster of the classic GBA. Let's check it out.
7 Weird and Wonderful Switch 2 Accessories
It's been over a year of the Nintendo Switch 2 and we now have a wide array of accessories to uncover...
RG52 Mini | A Casual Gamer's Review
The RG52 Mini is a capable, budget friendly device but is that enough to make it a truly good deal?
MANGMI AIR X | A Casual Gamer’s Review
The MANGMI Air X is a rare thing these days: a well built, stylish and capable gaming handheld you can get for around $100.
The PS Vita Was Ahead of Its Time
Why the PS Vita still holds its own against modern handhelds.
I Turned My Apple Watch into a Gaming Handheld
The RePod C1 is an aluminium case and a fully functional clickwheel that turns your Apple Watch into an iPod... or a gaming handheld.
The Endgame Handheld Doesn't Exist…
Every new handheld promises to be the one, but we keep searching for the endgame device. Why does it never come?
Lenovo is Giving Up on Handhelds (But You Don't Have To)
Lenovo Legion Go prices are out of control, making what were once an incredible set of handhelds feel like a distant dream for most people. Luckily we still have other options.
It's Finally Time to Get a Switch 2
A steady release schedule, software improvements and unexpected hits are making the case to upgrade clearer.
Retroid Pocket 6 (8GB) | A Casual Gamer's Review
Your first Android handheld should probably be the Retroid Pocket 6
Retroid Pocket 6 | Serious Y2K Vibes...
The Retroid Pocket 6 is a gorgeous, compact Android handheld that nails a Y2K aesthetic but it comes with a few rough edges that feel distinctly of that era too.
The Gamer Dad's Ultimate Survival Guide
Becoming a parent changes everything — but it doesn't have to mean giving up gaming. Here's how to make it work.
A Casual Gamer's EDC (AYN Thor Edition)
The AYN Thor was the first thing I packed for my trip to France over the holidays. But it wasn't alone.
I Traded Doom Scrolling for Handheld Gaming. Here's what happened...
Social media is engineered to hijack your attention — but what if the antidote was already in your living room?
The Handhelds That Got Me Through The Year
2025 was a tough year. These five handhelds made it a little more fun.
They Just Can't Keep the Steam Deck Down...
Valve just keeps on finding new ways for the Steam Deck to win.
AYN Thor | A Casual Gamer's Review
The AYN Thor was the most universally loved gaming device of 2025, but can this dual screen handheld really live up to the hype for casual gamers?
The Legion Go S is All I Need
The Legion Go S Can't Do It All (And that's Okay)
$5 vs $500 Vertical Retro Handheld
Vertical retro gaming handhelds come in an array of form factors, performance profiles and prices. But just how well does a $5 vertical handheld size up to one that costs $500?
The PS Portal is No Longer Just a PS5 Accessory...
The PlayStation Portal can now stream PS5 and PS4 games from your digital library via the cloud
AYANEO Pocket DMG | A Casual Gamer's Review
The AYANEO Pocket DMG is a beautiful, maximalist vertical handheld that draws heavily on Game Boy nostalgia. But does it justify its premium price tag for a casual gamer?
Lenovo Legion Go S (Z1E) | A Casual Gamer's Review
If you're a casual gamer like me, the Legion Go S might just be the best option yet.
Nintendo Switch 2 | A Casual Gamer's Review
The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here but are the upgrades enough to persuade you to get one now?
Lenovo Legion Go | A Casual Gamer's Review
The Legion Go has everything it takes to be the most immersive handheld gaming PC, but is Windows worth the effort?
PlayStation Portal | A Casual Gamer's Review
The PS Portal can't do it all (and that's okay).
Analogue Pocket | A Casual Gamer's Review
Playing the Analogue Pocket feels like stepping back in time, but unlike most nostalgia trips, this futuristic rendering of gaming history actually exceeds your childhood memories